22 Sep 2017
Students, parents and staff at Dubbo College's final Year 12 assembly today may have wondered what tennis balls had to do HSC students but all became clear during an inspiring speech delivered by principal Andrew Jones.
Mr Jones, ably assisted by science head teacher James Eddy, demonstrated an experiment using tennis balls, pebbles, sand and finally liquid to fill a large beaker.
"The tennis balls are the big things in life, the really important things like family and friends, your future children, your health, your favourite passion," Mr Jones said.
"They are the things that regardless of what happens, if your life went pear-shaped for instance, your life would remain full and satisfying.
"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car, my Foxtel.
"The sand is the small stuff, the things that fill up our time and if you fill the beaker with the small stuff, there would be no time for the things that are really important to you.
"That is my first message to you Year 12: pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
"Spend time with family and friends and indulge your passion – paint that painting, play that song – loud, kick that ball, fly that plane.
"Then do it all again."
Mr Jones, who is fondly called "dad" by the school captains, completed the experiment by having Mr Eddy add liquid to the beaker.
"My final message to Year 12 is that no matter how full your life may seem, there is always time for a couple of drinks and a catch up with family and friends."
The emotion-charged Year 12 final assembly also heard from former dux of Dubbo College, Emily Ainsworth, who will graduate with a degree in veterinary science from the University of Sydney later this year.
Ms Ainsworth, who has travelled extensively gaining valuable experience in her field, told students to accept every opportunity life offers.
College captains Nunka-Wa-Ru Pearce and Sharika-Marrie Howard also addressed their colleagues, thanking students, staff and parents for their commitment to education.
Year advisers Gaylene Lemon and Damien Wood wished students well and thanked them for their contribution to College life.
Following a musical finale, students left the hall and tears flowed freely in the grounds of Dubbo College, as they do at this time every year.
Students now have study time prior to the start of HSC exams on October 16.